The City of Palestine and Anderson County were notified this week of Sanderson Farms Inc.'s intent to begin its multi-facility construction project on Tuesday. Sanderson Farms plans to be fully operational by the first quarter of 2015.

"We are very pleased with the support from everyone in Palestine, Anderson County and Freestone County. Everyone has been great to work with," said Bob "Pic" Billingsley, director of development and engineering for Sanderson Farms Inc.

Sanderson Farms plans to build three facilities in the area, two of which will be located in Anderson County and one in Freestone County. The company will invest approximately $92 million on the construction of a hatchery and processing plant that will be located in Anderson County and an additional $32 million on the feed mill in Freestone County. Once the hatchery and processing plant is open, the company expects to employ up to 1,000 people.

Construction contracts have been awarded for the hatchery site and the feed mill. The contract for the processing facility is expected to be awarded by mid-October.

"The hatchery contract has been awarded and the contractor will begin to move dirt next week. Also, the feed mill contract has been awarded and they will begin work at the site within the next three weeks," Billingsley said. "Construction bids for the processing plant are out to seven contractors, all from Texas, and their bids should be back to us by the third week of October. The construction schedules for all three facilities will be complete and available by the second week of January of next year."

"We are looking forward to the activity the construction of the Sanderson Farms Complex will bring to town," Ellis said. "Sanderson Farms has been a great partner throughout this process, and having them as a new corporate neighbor in our area is a development that will generate positive outcomes for our community for years to come."

Sanderson Farms, Anderson County, the City of Palestine, the PEDC and Freestone County have all worked closely to help this project come together, Ellis said.

For more information on this expansion project or the PEDC, visit www.PalestineTexas.net or call 903-729-4100.